dspencer
Missouri
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Joined: 02/07/2006
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I just bought a new 2012 Silverado Ext. Cab 2WD with the 5.3V8 and 3:42 axle with the HD trailer package. I am just starting to think about upgrading my current trailer and want to know what i can safely tow. I don't need to hear from the ones that think for what ever reason you have to have a 2500 to tow anything, i want real life experience's from the ones out there who are doing this. Here is my specs below:
15,000 GVWR
9700 trailer weight
1725 payload capacity
3750 rear axle rating
I understand the driver, passenger and cargo in the bed take away from my trailer weight and payload capacity. Let me know if you need anything else. I will also be using a Equalizer 3 pt. weight distribution hitch as well.
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skipnchar
Topeka or somewhere else
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Joined: 12/17/2003
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There really are only two safety related numbers to watch. Axle ratings and the GVWR of your truck. Stay within those numbers and safety should not be an issue.
Good luck / Skip
2011 F-150 HD Ecoboost 3.5 V6. 2550 payload, 17,100 GCVWR -
2004 F-150 HD (Traded after 80,000 towing miles)
2007 Rockwood 8314SS 34' travel trailer
US Govt survey shows three out of four people make up 75% of the total population
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Gman22
Burlington, Ontario
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Joined: 07/03/2008
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dspencer wrote:want to know what i can safely tow.
7000 lbs. loaded. More than that and chances are you may start running out of payload, and the 5.3 will be working it's stones off.
2000 Coleman Bayside
2006 Ford Expedition Ltd. 5.4 L/3.73
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CKNEK
White Rock, B.C.
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Joined: 07/12/2009
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dspencer wrote:I just bought a new 2012 Silverado Ext. Cab 2WD with the 5.3V8 and 3:42 axle with the HD trailer package. I am just starting to think about upgrading my current trailer and want to know what i can safely tow. I don't need to hear from the ones that think for what ever reason you have to have a 2500 to tow anything, i want real life experience's from the ones out there who are doing this. Here is my specs below:
15,000 GVWR15,000 GVWR
9700 trailer weight
1725 payload capacity
3750 rear axle rating
I understand the driver, passenger and cargo in the bed take away from my trailer weight and payload capacity. Let me know if you need anything else. I will also be using a Equalizer 3 pt. weight distribution hitch as well.
GM really stepped up the payload on the 2012 models.
07 GMC CCSB Duramax with a few goodies.
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goducks10
Keizer OR
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The rear axle ratings gonna hurt you the most when looking for a TT. As an example, FWIW I have a 2010 F150 maxtow with an 1857lb payload rating and a 4050 RAWR. My TT is 7200lbs loaded and I have a tongue weight around 850-900lbs. I have a canopy and sliding bed tray on the truck. We carry 2 bikes, 2000w gen, 2 lawn chairs, 3' step ladder and some fire wood (maybe 100lb max worth). With all that we are right at the 4050 RAWR. Take away all the stuff in the truck and were fine. Just an example.
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dspencer
Missouri
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This goes with what i was thinking, i was thinking around 7000 tops. Thank You guys for your help.
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phillyg
Front Royal, VA
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I know there's no direct comparison, but my 5.4 Ford with 3.73 axle is rated to pull 9200lbs, and it ain't the fastest thing on the road if you know what I mean. Your 5.3 with 3.42 axle would be struggling at anything over 7000lbs, IMHO.
2002 Keystone Cougar 286, 8,400lbs loaded, pulled with a 2004 F150 Supercrew, 5.4, 3.73 gears. Retired and enjoying life
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Dougie123
CT
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Joined: 03/25/2004
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x2 on watching your payload and RAWR.
With our #6500 camper, 4 kids, 6 bikes, etc, etc... I blew out my 1500# payload capacity on our Suburban in a hurry....hence the new Dodge 2500. I now have payload/towing headroom for bigger RV, firewood, generator, etc... Much much more pleasurable towing experience...DW is no longer hanging on the O"Darn" bars.
Dad - 44
Mom - 
DD - 16
DD - 13
DS - 8
DS - 6
Dog - Irish Terrier
2010 Shamrock 233S
2011 Ram 2500 CC Laramie Hemi 4.10
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APT
SE Michigan
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Joined: 06/09/2010
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6000 pounds dry, 7k loaded. Closer to 7k dry and I think you'll be unhappy. How many people in the cab?
* This post was
edited 05/04/12 11:24am by APT *
A & A parents of DD 2005, DS1 2007, DS2 2009
2011 Suburban 2500 6.0L 3.73 pulling 2011 Heartland North Trail 28BRS
2012 VW Passat TDI
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dspencer
Missouri
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2 people in the cab and very limited cargo in the bed. Its just the wife and i.
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